Japan Secures A 25 Percent Increase In Bluefin Quota

Japan secured a 25 percent increase in its Pacific bluefin quota for fish weighing at least 30 kg at the recently held RFMO meeting. Mexico, which had previously opposed the increase, agreed to the hike following bilateral talks with Japan.

At the Eleventh Joint IATTC-NC Working Group Meeting on PBF Management—Second Session, held on August 18, an agreement was made allowing Japan to increase its bluefin quota from 11,869 tons to 14,836 tons in 2027 and 2028. The quota for fish weighing less than 30 kg will be cut by about six percent to 4,823 tons, according to Japanese news sites. At the IATTC-WCPFC first session held in July, Japan’s request for an increased quota was not granted. At that time, the Japanese Fisheries Agency stated that an agreement could not be reached “because of the unreasonable actions of one country [Mexico] and we are feeling outraged.” The Agency did not reveal why Mexico opposed Japan’s request.